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Mechanisms of Change – Naturally
It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those
who can best manage change.”
― Charles Darwin
Section 1 – Vocabulary
Below is a list of all of the biology vocabulary terms used in the Unit. By the end of
the Unit, you will be able to write a working definition of each term and correctly
adaptive radiation
allele
gene equilibrium
gene flow
natural selection
population
structure
artificial selection
biogeography
gene pool
genetic drift
genetic variation
punctuated equilibrium
reproductive isolation
selective mating
bottleneck effect
isolation
speciation
gradualism
immigration
mutation
species
stabilizing selection
survival of the fittest
analogous
directional
selection
disruptive selection
emigration
geographic
Section 2 – Mastery Objectives / Critical Thinking Skills
1. Define gene pool and give an example
2. Define five processes that alter the gene pool
3. Define genetic variation and describe how it changes in small and large populations over
time
4. Define natural selection and describe three types of natural selection
5. List 2 key mechanisms that drive natural selection
6. Define speciation
7. Distinguish between the concepts of gradualism and punctuated equilibrium.
8. Explain why sex is important in evolution.
Section 3A –Suggested Readings
 Miller and Levine – pp 397 -402; 404-410
Section 3B –Relevant Websites
Refer to the class wiki (http://nnhsbiology.pbworks.com)
Section 4 –– Outside Class Assignments
Thoughtfully answer each of the following questions or comments. Include all your reasoning
and show all your work wherever it is appropriate. To receive any credit for a question, your
answer must be a correctly numbered restatement of the question or statement followed by a
series of complete sentences. No phrases, partial answers or isolated numbers will be given
credit! Late work will be discounted 15%.
1. Create a concept map for each of the following groups of terms
a. Gene pool. Gene frequency, small gene pool, genetic drift, large gene
pool, emigration, immigration, population
b. Natural selection, directional selection, stabilizing selection,
disruptive selection, speciation, artificial selection
c. Gene flow, geographical isolation, reproductive isolation, bottleneck
effect
d. Speciation, isolation, punctuated equilibrium, gradualism, survival of
the fittest
2. What is the theory of natural selection? Give an example of natural
selection at work in your backyard. What species is being affected? How is
it being affected? What genes are being selected for or against? How will
the gene pool be different in 10 years if the selection continues without
other changes being introduced? Will the other alleles of that gene
disappear from the population? (Hint: Remember the naked bunnies!)
3. We studied the story of the Peppered Moths in England.
a. Did peppered moths in England ever evolve into two species?
b. Explain how you came to your answer for a.
c. What factors are involved for species to arise from a common
ancestor?
d. How do you know when speciation has happened?
4. Explain the difference between gradualism and punctuated equilibrium in
evolution. Give an example of each and explain how it demonstrates the
concept.
5. In the evolution of life on earth some big “inventions” have changed the
direction of life forms.
a. What forces may have selected for multi-cellular organisms?
b. What was the advantage to having eyes?
c. How did photosynthesis come to dominate the landscape? How did it
change the earth?
d. Is there a role for death in evolution?
e. What is the role of sex in evolution?
f. Does altruism have a role in evolution? How would it be beneficial?
6. Identify two major factors that contributed to Darwin’s finches undergoing
speciation and then describe how these factors drove speciation.
7. Some folks believe that humans have stopped evolving and claim that humans
are in a post evolution phase.
a. Do you agree or disagree with this idea?
b. What evidence can you offer to support your opinion?
8. Some folks think that humans with certain “expensive” diseases i.e. “bad”
genes should not be allowed to procreate.
a. What would you define as an “expensive” or “bad” gene?
b. Should people with these genes be allowed to procreate?
c. Do people with “bad” genes weaken the gene pool?